Brent Impey Named Chair of Radio New Zealand

Brent Impey’s appointment as Chair marks a significant step in ensuring continuity within RNZ’s governance structure.

The New Zealand Government has announced significant leadership changes at Radio New Zealand (RNZ), appointing experienced media executive Brent Impey as the new Chair of the state broadcaster. Alongside his appointment, governance professionals Paula Browning and Richard Dellabarca have been named as new Board Governors, reinforcing RNZ's leadership team as it navigates a rapidly evolving media environment.

The appointments, announced by the Minister for Media and Communications, are intended to strengthen RNZ's governance capabilities and support the organization's mission as a trusted public broadcaster while ensuring its long-term financial sustainability and relevance in an increasingly digital media landscape.

The new appointments come at a time when public broadcasters around the world are facing significant challenges, including changing audience habits, technological disruption, growing competition from digital platforms and increasing pressure to maintain public trust in news and information services.

Brent Impey Elevated to Board Chair

Brent Impey's appointment as Chair marks a significant step in ensuring continuity within RNZ's governance structure.

Having served as a Board Governor since September 2024, Impey brings extensive experience from across New Zealand's media and broadcasting sectors. Government officials highlighted his strong leadership capabilities, industry knowledge and commitment to maintaining editorial independence as key reasons for his appointment.

The Minister noted that Impey's leadership style, characterized by transparency and decisive decision-making, will be valuable as RNZ continues to adapt to changing media consumption patterns and emerging industry challenges.

His elevation to Chair is expected to provide stability while enabling the broadcaster to pursue strategic priorities focused on innovation, audience engagement and sustainable growth.

Extensive Media Industry Experience

Impey is widely recognized within New Zealand's media industry and has held numerous leadership positions throughout his career.

His governance experience includes serving on the boards of several influential media organizations, including:

• The Television Broadcasters Council;

• The Advertising Standards Authority;

• The Radio Broadcasters Association.

These roles have provided him with deep insights into broadcasting regulation, industry standards, audience expectations and the broader media ecosystem.

Such experience is increasingly valuable as public broadcasters seek to balance traditional broadcasting responsibilities with the opportunities and challenges presented by digital transformation.

His background is expected to help RNZ navigate both operational and strategic issues facing the organization over the coming years.

Recognizing the Contributions of Outgoing Board Members

The Government also paid tribute to outgoing board members who have played important roles in RNZ's development and governance.

Particular recognition was given to Dr Jim Mather, who completed three terms on the RNZ Board, as well as outgoing Governors Jane Wrightson and Irene Gardiner.

During their tenure, RNZ underwent significant developments as the media industry experienced rapid technological and structural changes. Their contributions helped guide the organization through a period marked by increasing digital engagement, evolving audience expectations and broader discussions about the future of public broadcasting.

Government officials expressed appreciation for their service and acknowledged the important role they played in strengthening RNZ's position as a trusted national broadcaster.

Paula Browning Brings Digital and Creative Sector Expertise

Joining the RNZ Board is Paula Browning, an experienced executive and director with a strong background in digital technology, governance and creative industries.

Browning currently serves as the part-time Executive Director of WeCreate Inc, an alliance representing New Zealand's creative industries. In this role, she works closely with organizations involved in technology, design, media, digital content and other creative sectors.

Her experience is expected to bring valuable perspectives on innovation, digital transformation and the future of content creation.

As media organizations increasingly rely on digital platforms to reach audiences, expertise in technology and digital strategy has become an essential component of effective governance.

Browning also serves as Deputy Chair of the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board, further strengthening her governance credentials.

Strengthening RNZ's Digital Future

The appointment of Browning reflects the growing importance of digital capabilities within public broadcasting.

Across the world, traditional broadcasters are investing heavily in online platforms, streaming services, podcasts, mobile applications and on-demand content to meet changing audience preferences.

Younger audiences, in particular, increasingly consume news and entertainment through digital channels rather than conventional radio and television broadcasts.

Browning's experience in digital transformation and creative industries is expected to support RNZ's efforts to expand its digital presence while maintaining its commitment to high-quality journalism and public service broadcasting.

Her expertise may also contribute to innovation initiatives aimed at improving audience engagement and content accessibility.

Richard Dellabarca Adds Financial and Governance Strength

The Government has also appointed Richard Dellabarca to the RNZ Board.

Dellabarca is an experienced governance professional and executive leader with extensive expertise in financial management, corporate governance and strategic planning.

A Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor of Laws degree, he brings a combination of financial and legal expertise that will be particularly valuable as RNZ manages complex operational and regulatory responsibilities.

His professional background includes leadership roles across a range of sectors, providing him with experience in organizational oversight, risk management and financial stewardship.

These capabilities are considered especially important as public broadcasters face increasing pressure to operate efficiently while delivering high-quality services to audiences.

Experience in Sustainability and Innovation

Dellabarca currently serves as Chair of Epic Char and is a director on the Drive Electric Board, organizations associated with innovation, sustainability and future-focused development.

His involvement in these initiatives demonstrates a strong interest in long-term strategic planning and transformational change—qualities that align with RNZ's efforts to remain relevant in a rapidly changing media environment.

As media organizations confront technological disruption and shifting business models, strong governance and financial oversight are essential for ensuring long-term sustainability.

Dellabarca's appointment is expected to strengthen the Board's ability to oversee these challenges effectively.

Supporting RNZ's Long-Term Sustainability

The Government has emphasized that the new appointments are intended to strengthen RNZ's capacity to operate as both a trusted public institution and a financially sustainable organization.

Public broadcasters worldwide face growing challenges in maintaining funding, competing for audience attention and adapting to technological change. These pressures have intensified as digital platforms reshape how people access information and entertainment.

RNZ continues to play a vital role in New Zealand's media landscape by providing news, current affairs, cultural programming and emergency broadcasting services.

Ensuring that the organization remains financially resilient while preserving editorial independence and public trust is a key priority for its leadership.

Navigating an Evolving Media Landscape

The media industry is undergoing one of the most significant periods of transformation in its history.

The rise of social media, streaming platforms, artificial intelligence, digital advertising and changing audience behaviors has fundamentally altered how content is produced, distributed and consumed.

Public broadcasters such as RNZ must adapt to these changes while continuing to fulfill their public service mandate.

The combined expertise of Impey, Browning and Dellabarca is expected to help RNZ respond to these challenges by strengthening governance, supporting innovation and maintaining organizational stability.

Their appointments bring complementary skills spanning media, technology, finance, governance and stakeholder engagement.

Protecting Public Trust and Journalistic Independence

One of RNZ's most important responsibilities is maintaining public confidence in its journalism and programming.

In an era marked by misinformation, declining trust in institutions and growing polarization, public broadcasters play a crucial role in providing accurate, independent and reliable information.

Government officials highlighted Brent Impey's commitment to journalistic independence as a particularly important attribute for his role as Chair.

Strong governance structures help ensure that editorial decisions remain independent while supporting accountability, transparency and public confidence.

Protecting these principles will remain central to RNZ's mission as it continues to serve audiences across New Zealand.

A New Chapter for RNZ Leadership

The appointments mark the beginning of a new chapter in RNZ's governance and strategic direction.

With Brent Impey assuming the role of Chair and Paula Browning and Richard Dellabarca joining the Board, RNZ gains a leadership team equipped with experience across key areas that will shape the future of media and broadcasting.

As the organization continues to evolve in response to technological, economic and social changes, the new Board members will play a critical role in guiding RNZ's long-term development and ensuring it remains a trusted source of information for New Zealanders.

The appointments are expected to support RNZ over the next three years, helping the broadcaster strengthen its public service mission while adapting to the opportunities and challenges of the modern media landscape.